ABSTRACT
I OFFER to your Excellency this small work, deserving of a good reception as much for the faithful narrative which it contains, as for its being free from artifice and ornament. Knowing my poor resources, I began it without fear, and took courage to go on with it: it is clear that if that which is given had to bear an equal proportion to him that receives, there would be no one who might deserve to place his works in the hands of your Excellency ; and those deeds would remain forgotten, which in these times our Spaniards have done in the discovery, conquest, and conversion of the Philippine Islands ; as well as various events which from time to time have happened in the great kingdom of the Pagans which surround them : for as these parts are so remote, no narrative has appeared in public which purports to treat of them from their beginnings up to the state in which they now are. I pray your Excellency to receive my good will, laid prostrate at your feet; and even should this short writing not give that pleasure which self love (that infirmity of human wit) leads me to expect, may your Excellency deal with me, as you are used to do with all; reading it and cloaking its imperfections with your courtesy and gentleness, as being so rich in these and other virtues, which, with Divine power, cause lofty things not to be strangers to more humble matters ; and have placed your Excel*
1 See Appendix I for the t<-xt of this dedication.
